Children had been swimming in the fountains on hot days, but that posed health threats.

The pad provides a newer, healthier way to enjoy summer.

"It was a historic fountain. It was built to be an aesthetic amenity. It was not chlorinated, the water was not circulated, so it really wasn't built to be a swimming and recreational asset," said Tarik Abdelazim, the director of planning, housing, and community development.

The project is expected to be completed before the summer.

Pro Con Contracting won the bid in early December.

It will cost $177,000 thanks in part to a donation from the Binghamton Rotary Club and a grant secured by Assembly Woman Donna Lupardo.